Post Frost Season: Summer CSA ’12 ” Week #17
Zea & her new sister, Edie
As if the weather has been watching the calendar, autumn has swung in just on time. Last week we saw our first night frost, and several more have followed. Like spring break to the school year, the frost marks the beginning of the home stretch of a farm season. While there is still much work to be done, suddenly winter and slower times are within our sights.
The fields look remarkably different over the course of just one week. Neighboring corn and soy fields still had some yellow in them last week. Our late summer crops like tomato, eggplant, and peppers were still a vibrant green. The winter squash field was a tangled green mess of vines. But with news of forthcoming frost, we began to pull as many of these crops out as we could. Now our winter squash field is completely harvested (and what a crop ” just fantastic!!!!) and the vines and leaves are all brown. Where lush tomato plants were just one week ago now stand blackened leaves hanging on naked-looking posts and trellis twine. The conventional fields around us have all gone brown. Visually, frost is like insta-fall around here.
Your box will reflect this change as well. The last of the peppers are coming your way. Leafy greens are coming back. And the rest of the contents of your box will have you thinking about roasted dishes and soups.
While there is still a lot of work to be done before the season is complete, the mentality changes a bit on the farm too. Mornings begin in a cozy sweat shirt and comfy hat chill. By the time afternoon rolls around, layers have been shed and the days are just about the most perfect one can image. Endless hot days of harvesting now have a tone of sweetness and appreciation. The delightful autumn days are numbered. Snow isn’t too far off and the end of seasonal work is on the horizon.
On the home front, preparing for the cold months is beginning. My mom called this weekend about Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Zea is in full swing of Halloween brainstorming. We are putting together our winter work share roster. And I am mentally preparing for the indoor season. As much as Mike and I miss working outside in the cold months, I have a feeling we’re really going to enjoy this winter with the girls.
Thanks and enjoy your veggies! Mike, Cassie, Zea, and Edie
In the Box:
- Acorn Squash
- Beets
- Bell Pepper, Green
- Bell Pepper, Red
- Carmen Sweet Peppers, Red
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Onion, Yellow
- Potato, Russet
- Spinach
- Tomato
REGS Only:
- Kale, Green
EOs Only:
- Head Lettuce
This Week’s Recipes
Summer Week #17: Wednesday, September 26th ” Everyother Group A
